Insurance Approved, Dieticians won't schedule me!

[CBL 3]

I have been in the supervised weight loss program at my doctor for about 8 months. I have lost 32 lbs (down from 322) since I began. They had me on a lower carb diet than normal (180 per day) and I consistently ate less than that, but was never seriously told that it was a problem.

I received approval from UHC yesterday morning (yay!) Then at lunch the "Bariatric Nurse Coordinator (who I have never met or spoken to) called me to let me know that they could not schedule me for surgery due to objections from the dieticians that I "will hurt myself due to non-compliance with the program to date" and "you drink soda which is not allowed after surgery".

So, I ask what I have to do. She tells me that I have to schedule more visits with dieticians until they deem me ready for the surgery. No idea how long or how many visits this will take.

Has this happened to anyone else? I was beyond furious as I have to drive 1.5 hrs each way to see the dieticians. I also couldn't vent my frustration at her as I sensed that if I did, I would just be waiting longer as punishment.

I am very frustrated as the mid Feb date I was quoted was going to fit my wife and my own work schedules quite well. I just can't believe they did this to me with no warning whatsover.

[TijuanaPlication 87]

Can you find out from them what issues they have? Other than the soda of course. BTW have you tried Crystal Light? I like the apple flavour one, so you can start having that and let them know that you're off the fizzy stuff already. Good luck.

[LilMissDiva Irene 3,282]

Hello CBL,

I am so sorry to hear about this!! Wow, I've actually never seen this before - and I'm a little bit dismayed to hear it. However, all I can suggest is that you begin to follow their recommendations to the "T" so they can move you along faster. I can tell you, you don't need sodas in any way shape or form. They are filled with awful things and give our bodies nothing we need. It will only serve you in a positive way to not drink them.

I agree with Tij, you should get in contact with them and ask them to spell out exactly what they are looking for, so that way there is no mistaking what they want from you.

Let us know how you're going, this is a bumpy road but I know anyone can overcome!!

[TijuanaPlication 87]

Sorry, I just re-read my post and it sounded a bit rude on second read... Crystal Light (or something like it) was meant to be just a suggestion, but it didn't read that way second time round!

Can you find out from them what issues they have? Other than the soda of course. BTW have you tried Crystal Light? I like the apple flavour one, so you can start having that and let them know that you're off the fizzy stuff already. Good luck.

[M2G 1,836]

I think I would be pretty frustrated also. I would call and ask exactly what they need from you to recommend you for surgery? Are these dieticians working FOR your surgeon? Usually they are very familiar with being a support role for people having surgery.

And I agree about soda, I used to drink diet soda and I quit cold turkey about a month before my surgery and haven't wanted or needed to go back to it.

Good luck with everything I hope they recommend/approve you soon!

[Eureka-C 20]

I would ask for documentation in those eight months when they informed you that you were making mistakes. I would ask them if their job was meant to be guidance for someone who has already struggled so long or a trick to "catch" you? I would also say "I am not the professional here, if it was as easy as reading a sheet and following it, surgeons would not need you. They would just hand us a sheet and send us on our merry way. The point of a nutritionist is guidance. Show me your guidance. I came to see you "x" number of times and you did not make it clear to me what I was doing wrong."

This is assuming that they did not tell you. On the other hand, if you were warned about where you were straying, and chose not to listen then maybe they are right and you need to check.

Personally, I think they set us up for failure pre-surgery. If I could stick to a strict plan, I would have lost weight that way in the first place.

How very frustrating. Feel free to vent here what you would like to say even if you feel you cannot. Prove them wrong!

[soldierzgirl36 0]

I am sorry this happened. I love soda too. I hate the idea that I have to give it up.. I just hope after surgery it wont be as bad as I thought. Good luck, the nutritionist is being a bit harsh, however you cant have it afterward so, maybe she is just concerned that you will sneak and try it and do damage to your sleeve or something

I have been in the supervised weight loss program at my doctor for about 8 months. I have lost 32 lbs (down from 322) since I began. They had me on a lower carb diet than normal (180 per day) and I consistently ate less than that, but was never seriously told that it was a problem.

I received approval from UHC yesterday morning (yay!) Then at lunch the "Bariatric Nurse Coordinator (who I have never met or spoken to) called me to let me know that they could not schedule me for surgery due to objections from the dieticians that I "will hurt myself due to non-compliance with the program to date" and "you drink soda which is not allowed after surgery".

So, I ask what I have to do. She tells me that I have to schedule more visits with dieticians until they deem me ready for the surgery. No idea how long or how many visits this will take.

Has this happened to anyone else? I was beyond furious as I have to drive 1.5 hrs each way to see the dieticians. I also couldn't vent my frustration at her as I sensed that if I did, I would just be waiting longer as punishment.

I am very frustrated as the mid Feb date I was quoted was going to fit my wife and my own work schedules quite well. I just can't believe they did this to me with no warning whatsover.